Food-contact compliance (EU 10/2011, FDA)
Evidence that plastics used for food packaging and equipment do not transfer substances into food above permitted limits. In the EU the framework Regulation 1935/2004 and, for plastics, Regulation 10/2011 apply – a positive list of substances plus overall and specific migration limits; in the USA, FDA 21 CFR Part 177. Buyers should request the supplier’s declaration of compliance (DoC) covering additives and, where needed, migration test reports; recycled plastics are also subject to Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
Related terms
Recycled content (PCR / PIR)
PCR (post-consumer recycled) material comes from packaging and products that have reached consumers and become waste; PIR (post-industrial recycled) comes from production scrap and trimmings. Rules such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and brand pledges are setting minimum PCR shares in packaging. Recycled-content claims should be verified with certification such as GRS, RecyClass, EuCertPlast or ISCC PLUS (mass balance); food-contact rPET additionally needs an approved super-clean process.
Safety data sheet (SDS / MSDS)
A document setting out, in 16 standard sections following the GHS, a chemical’s hazards and information on safe handling, storage, transport, personal protective equipment, first aid, firefighting, accidental release and disposal. It is mandatory for hazardous substances under REACH in the EU and similar laws elsewhere, and must be supplied in the recipient’s language. Carriers and customs rely on section 14 for dangerous-goods classification and the UN number.
ISO 9001 quality management and related ISO certificates
ISO 9001 is the international quality-management standard, audited by accredited certification bodies, showing that a company defines, controls and continually improves its processes; it certifies the system, not the product. Other certificates frequently requested in raw material supply include ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), ISO 50001 (energy), ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 (food safety), IATF 16949 (automotive) and ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence). Validity should be checked in the certification body’s database or IAF CertSearch.